Tottenham pause search for sporting director until after summer transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur have decided to delay their search for a new sporting director until after the summer transfer window, according to the Standard.

Spurs have been without a replacement for former co-sporting director Fabio Paratici since he left the club in February.

Paratici joined Fiorentina for family reasons. The club have been linked with several high-profile candidates for the vacant role.

Sebastian Kehl and Dougie Freedman have been linked with the role. However, Tottenham have made it clear that appointing a new sporting director is not a priority.

Tottenham made the decision following a recent meeting of the club’s Fan Advisory Board.

During the discussions, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham addressed supporter concerns and explained that Tottenham are confident in their current leadership structure.

Rather than bringing in a new executive during a busy transfer period, the club will rely on those who are still around to oversee recruitment.

Sporting director Johan Lange, manager Roberto De Zerbi, and director of football operations Rafi Moersen will work together to manage Tottenham’s transfer business throughout the summer.

“The club has confidence in our people,” Venkatesham said.

“But if we find someone who can complement our existing team and make it better, we will do that at the right time.

“No one has turned us down. Many of the names in the media linked with us, we have never even spoken to.”

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Spurs are looking to rebuild and move away from the struggles that have resulted in successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League.

Much of the spotlight has fallen on Lange, whose recruitment record since arriving in 2023 has attracted criticism from sections of the fanbase. 

However, Venkatesham strongly backed the Danish executive and highlighted the close working relationship between him and De Zerbi.